Plans to build a skate park and BMX track in an Oxhey park have been put forward by Watford Borough Council.

The council’s proposals for the northern section of Oxhey Park would see the removal of the former Irish Centre, and the creation of a new “family-focused centre for cycling, skateboarding and play” to be known as Oxhey Park North.

The construction of a new café with community and toilet facilities also forms part of the project.

According to the council, the plans provide a “great opportunity to improve the River Colne and open up walking and cycling routes through the park”.

Preliminary plans for the site drawn up by the council earlier this year have now been amended following a period of public consultation.

As a result, more green space has been introduced into the scheme, while changes have been made so the facility will blend in with its natural surroundings more.

However some members of the public have registered their opposition to the plans, with some citing a rise in anti-social behaviour as a possible side effect of the proposals.

In a letter to the council, Chris Hardy, of Cedar Road, said: “The previous skate park just across the road from the proposed development quickly turned into a graffiti-ridden eyesore and a Mecca for anti-social behaviour and drug dealing.

“It was eventually demolished at great expense because of all the criminality it attracts.”

Stacey Scarborough said she thought the development would “totally ruin the park on so many levels”, adding: “There are already a lot of problems being caused by youths in the south part of the park, and if it weren't for members of the public helping to keep this part of the park clean and safe it would be terrible.”

However not all residents were opposed the project.

Lee Cooksey, of Little Bushey Lane, asked: “Why would you stop building a skate park? It is literally the best way to keep kids off the streets.

“I used to live in Norway where every school has its own mini-ramp and every town has its own skate park. Why would you not want to build something for the kids?”

Karly Sadler, of Wilcot Avenue, echoed Mr Cooksey’s sentiments, saying: “It can only be a positive thing for this space to be used for something constructive for older kids to do.

“Far less intimidating than seeing them hanging out in groups in open park space.”

The draft plans are currently being considered by the council’s planning department.